A group of donors and partners is racing to ensure a breakthrough HIV prevention drug is inexpensive and broadly accessible.
Lenacapavir, a preexposure prophylaxis injection, or PrEP, which offers protection for six months before another shot is needed, has shown nearly perfect efficacy in preventing HIV transmission and generated high levels of excitement around its potential to help hasten the epidemic’s end.
Under two separate partnerships, both announced Wednesday at the United Nations General Assembly, India-based generic manufacturers are expected to produce the new injection at $40 per person per year for 120 low- and middle-income countries by as early as 2027 — that’s the same price as a year’s course of daily oral PrEP.